Proposed TMD Rule Change Regarding the Prologue Stage

The following (below) rule change was proposed by Kirk Roggenkamp - TMD Director 2016. The proposal did not gain traction and so was not officially adopted into the rule structure for 2017. I agree with Kirk and think there is merit in his proposal - the question that affects TMD participants is should the required number of completed stages move from the current 10 to 11? The logic behind changing the requirement is that the prologue would count as a stage (proposed), and an easy stage at that, so the requirement should change as well. Maintain balance.

Keep in mind other, behind the scenes things such as the award jerseys are not free (they don't grow on trees). If the challenge is easier, as in... count the prologue as a stage and 'if' five more participants complete the challenge because an 'easy' stage was added, well great. But now there are more finishers jerseys to add to the already growing list of finishers and the balance of finishers changes, which effects the balance of the jersey budget get out of balance. (It's all fun and games until you are TMD Director and you have to consider such scenarios. I just want to ride my bike). I will propose this rule change at the next upcoming General Membership Meeting. - Thomas N.

Participation in the Prologue has really lagged in recent years (just a fraction of the 35-40 riders who turn out for the uphill TT in Sept) Everyone always asks the same question, "Does it count as a stage?". Under the current rules, it does not. I propose that for 2017, the TMD Prologue (probably will be held in early Nov 2016) count as a stage. In addition, I ALSO propose that the number of stages needed to qualify be bumped from 10 to 11 for 2017 and beyond. This will not change the number of centuries a rider has to complete (9) IF they participate in the both the Prologue and Uphill time trials.

Personally I prefer the current 10 stage format. I would suggest making the current "prologue" a valid stage that counts toward the 10 BUT increase the distance to a hilly, challenging 15-20 miles. If your proposed changes are accepted I prefer they be implemented in 2018. Thank you Thomas.

Out of curiousity, in the last two or three years how many participants finished under current rules, however would not have under the proposed changes? If the impact is small, this would not seem to be that big of an issue. If the weather is the largest issue with people completing the prologue (and admittedly that was a very cold morning) is a better change the timing of the prolougem

For me, the challenge was to complete 10 centuries excluding the time trial or prologue. Is the concern the cost or the mileage? Depending on the goal and focus of the mad dog series now, I would evaluate if the goals within the program are being met. Or if we want more participation or if we want to make it harder to participate and complete. Is it an elite group or a group within the club encouraging long distance touring. As Mad dog director, gathering input is a good idea and ultimately your decision. (The joys of volunteering!)

Attendance at the prologue has lagged for a reason. People don't want to do it. Rather than add it as a stage, a thinly veiled attempt to twist people's arms, get rid of it. The only purpose it serves is establishing standings. Just draw from a hat or something.